Abstract des Autors

Performance diagnostics and training management are the basis of performance-physiological examinations in football (soccer-FB) and handball (HB). Endurance performance and sprinting ability (over distances from 5 to 30 m) are the most important factors of the physiological profile of football players. These characteristics are precisely assessed by means of the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT - stepwise increasing field test) and sprint test (5x30 m; 2 min interval between the sprints). A football-specific fitness score was constructed on the basis of the combination of these physiological factors. Top teams have a higher score than other teams. In comparison to ball games, FB are faster and have a higher endurance than HB. There exists a significant relationship between echocardiographically measured heart size and performance at the IAT. Good FB mostly have a moderate enlarged athlete's heart while the heart volume in HB is normal. Examinations during training sessions (football-specific game situations with few players and throwing training in HB) partly demonstrate high lactate concentrations between 10 to 15 mmol/l. Therefore, the individual training strategies should take into account the lactic-anaerobic energy production. Finally, the repeated determination of urea and creatine kinase activity in blood under standardized conditions is also a useful measure for evaluation of metabolic and muscular load of prior training sessions and matches in FB and HB. In conclusion, a combination of well-chosen test procedures can provide useful information for the training strategies and the effectiveness of specific training programs. Verf.-Referat